ONE WEEK LATER
****************************************
Things at the Dursley's had been a little rough for Harry the past week, but so far he hadn't suffered any injuries. Padfoot was keeping quite close to Harry, except for the odd time he would go outside to check for any unusual activity. It was a particularly crummy day out, the rain was coming down in sheets and thunder cracked across the sky. Padfoot had disappeared to check for anything unusual, when Harry's uncle came into his room. Harry was staring out the window when he noticed his uncle. "Y-yeah?" Harry asked nervously, noticing the way Vernon Dursley'a fists were clenched. "I told you at Christmas...come back here and they'd have to carry you out in a box!" He growled. Harry shuddered and backed into a corner. He was going to grab his chain, but remembered Sirius. Uncle Vernon closed the bedroom door and walked towards Harry. "D-don't you touch m-me!" Harry stuttered. Uncle Vernon sneered. "Or what? Your little freaks for friends will come and perform their hocus pocus?" He snarled. Harry was shaking uncontrollably. Uncle Vernon raised his hand. Harry raised his hands, ready to strike. Uncle Vernon laughed and grabbed Harry's wrists with one hand. He brought his other hand up and hit Harry square in the stomach. Harry double over onto the floor. Uncle Vernon began kicking him. He got Harry in the face and stomach. Suddenly there was a scratching on the door. Then a whimpering. Harry was letting out grunts and groans of pain. He wa doing everything he could not to scream. Then, suddenly, the door burst open. Sirius saw what was going on and he lunged forward onto Uncle Vernon. Vernon was so surprised, that he fell backwards. Sirius quickly moved out of the way. The great beast of a man stared at Sirius. "Who're you?" He gasped. Sirius was angrier than Harry had ever seen him. "Sirius Black, Harry's godfather!" He spat. Vernon scrambled to his feet. "G-get out of m-my house!" He said hastily. Sirius spat at Vernon's feet. "Gladly." He growled. Sirius bent down over Harry and lifted him off the floor. Harry swayed. Sirius grabbed him round the middle to hold him up. Sirius brandished his wand and Uncle Vernon backed off. They hobbled down the stairs and out the front door, into the pouring rain. "Hang on!" Sirius yelled. Harry nodded. He felt like he was going to collapse. They disapparated with a loud pop.
Harry and Sirius appeared in a lobby. A hotel lobby. Harry assumed it was a magical hotel, since there were people apparating all around them. Sirius hurried to the front desk and began talking to a woman very quickly. Harry didn't catch any of the conversation. He noticed people staring at him. He was quite a mess. Sirius returned a minute later, clutching a key. "Come on kiddo." He said, grabbing Harry around the middle. They disapparated to the top floor of the hotel, outside a door. Sirius shoved the key in the lock and opened the door. Inside, were two beds. Harry also saw that there was somewhat of a kitchen and a bathroom. Sirius was fuming, but trying to hide it. He sat Harry down on one of the beds. "Filthy muggles." He muttered as he checked Harry's nose, which was bleeding heavily. "Ah, it's not broken. Go on into the bathroom and get changed out of those clothes. I have to send an owl." Sirius said quietly. Harry nodded and staggered over to the bathroom. He reappeared a few minutes later, blood free and in his boxers. He made his way over to one of the beds and crawled under the covers. Sirius was sending a letter off with an owl that had been perched by the window. When he was done, he went over to check on Harry. "I should've been there. You shouldn't have gotten hurt." He sighed, pressing the bruise that had appeared around Harry's eye. Harry flinched. "It's not your fault..." He said quietly. Sirius sighed. "You should keep some ice on that eye." He said quietly. He waved his wand and an ice pack appeared. He pressed it to Harry's eye. "You keep that there." Sirius said softly. Harry nodded. He rolled over under the covers, clutching the ice pack. Sirius sighed. So many terrible things happened to Harry, but he never complained. After about an hour, Harry drifted off to sleep. Sirius made a pot of coffee in his little kitchen and sat down on the other bed. He took a long sip from his coffee, then there was a knock on the door. Sirius set his cup down and went to the door. He peered through the peep hole and sighed. He opened the door. Dumbledore was standing in the hall, wearing a very serious look. Sirius stood to the side so Dumbledore could enter. The old man made his way into the room. Sirius closed the door and sighed. "I told you..." He said quietly. Dumbledore nodded. "I know...and I told them. Are his injuries bad?" He asked quietly. Sirius sighed. "I don't think so. Maybe a couple of broken ribs." He said wearily. "I would like to see the extent of his injuries." Dumbledore said quietly. Sirius nodded. He bent over the lump that was sleeping. "Harry..." He said quietly. Harry didn't move. "Come on son, wake up." Sirius said, shaking Harry slightly. Harry stirred and groaned. "Wha?" He asked groggily. Sirius smiled as Harry rolled over. He still had the ice pack pressed to his face. Harry struggled to prop himself up and hold the ice pack on. He couldn't really see anything, since he didn't have his glasses on. Sirius pulled the ice pack away. A livid bruise had formed. Harry grabbed his glasses and slipped them on his nose. He blushed when he saw Professor Dumbledore.
"Er...we have to stop meeting like this." Harry said with a forced smile. Dumbledore wasn't smiling. "You are quite right. And, I feel confident in saying we will never meet like this again." He said sternly. Harry sighed. He really wanted to believe the old man, but he wouldn't count his chickens before they hatched. "Harry...show him your ribs." Sirius said quietly. Harry shifted awkwardly. Sirius sighed. He pushed the blankets down that were covering Harry's chests. There were bruises over his ribs and a few on his stomach. They didn't look too bad. Dumbledore took a few steps forward and peered at them. "They don't look too bad, but that's beside the point." He said quietly. When he was done, Harry covered himself with the blankets again. Sirius sighed. "Sirius, I would like you to come with me to the Ministry." Dumbledore said quietly. "Can that wait? I mean...I don't want to leave Harry alone." Sirius said nervously. Harry sighed. "I'll be fine." He said quietly. Sirius locked eyes with him. "Alright...but don't leave the room and...er...if you get hungry, call room service, okay?" He asked. Harry nodded. He was just planning on sleeping. Sirius grabbed his cloak and ruffled Harry's hair. "I won't be long." He said quietly. Harry forced a smile and nodded. Sirius and Dumbledore disapparated with a loud pop. Harry groaned. He took his glasses off and grabbed the ice pack. He went back to sleep.
Sirius got back a lot later than he had told Harry. It was two in the morning. Sirius had had a rough time down at the Ministry. The issue of Harry's home still wasn't resolved. For the time being however, Sirius had temporary custody of his godson. He flicked on the lamp in between the two beds and shook Harry gently. He wanted to see if the swelling around Harry's eye had gone down. Harry didn't move. Sirius sighed and shook him again. "Harry, come on..." He said quietly. Harry did nothing. Sirius contorted his face in curiosity. He shook Harry again. The boy didn't move. "Harry, this isn't funny..." Sirius said. There was a hint of worry in his voice. He grabbed Harry under the arm and rolled him over. Harry's eyes were closed. Sirius shook him. Harry wouldn't wake up. "Harry!" Sirius said loudly. He pointed his wand at Harry's chest. "Enervate." He muttered. Harry's eyes flickered open. "Wha?" He asked groggily. Sirius stared at Harry. "Did someone come here? Did someone attack you?" He asked, urgency in his voice. He was squeezing Harry's arm now. "No! Sirius - you're - hurting me!" Harry gasped, trying to pull his arm away. Sirius released Harry's arm like it was red hot. "I'm sorry..." He said quietly. Harry was staring at Sirius. "Why couldn't I wake you?" Sirius asked suspiciously. "I got a Deep Sleep potion from room service." Harry explained. He pointed to the bottle on the nightstand, then glanced at the clock. "You just get in?" He asked. Sirius sighed and nodded. "Yeah...they still haven't decided where you're going, but granted me temporary custody." He explained. Harry nodded. He didn't want to tell Sirius how badly he wanted to live with him, but he felt he had to. Harry bit his lip. "Sirius..." He began. Sirius glanced at him. Harry looked like he was about to say something really important. "Yeah kiddo?" He asked, paying perfect attention. "You know that I...that I really wanna live with you...don't you?" Harry asked, staring at Sirius hopefully. Sirius cracked a big smile. "Yeah...don't worry, you will." He said. Harry smiled. As long as Sirius knew...
When Harry woke the next morning, he realized that Sirius wasn't in the room. There was however, a note taped to the door. Harry read it lazily.
Harry, went to collect your school things and Hedwig from the muggles. Shouldn't be long. Love Sirius.
Harry sighed and looked around. Sirius had a pile of clothes stacked on the dresser. As Harry was wearing only his boxers, he didn't think Sirius would mind if he borrowed a shirt. Harry rummaged through the pile a found a red shirt that he particularly liked. He pulled it on and plopped down onto the bed. Harry rubbed his eyes and flinched with pain. He had ran a hand over his bruised eyes. Harry got up and went into the bathroom to see how it looked. The swelling had gone down, but there was still a massive bruise. "Harry?" Sirius called. Harry sighed and left the bathroom. Sirius was standing by the beds, pushing Harry trunk into the corner. He glanced up and smiled when he saw Harry wearing his shirt. "Er...sorry. I was a bit cold." Harry said awkwardly. Sirius shook his head. "That's fine!" He laughed. Harry smiled. Sirius was so relaxed. He crossed the room and pressed a thumb to Harry's bruise. "Hmm...swelling's gone down." He said thoughtfully. He sighed and plopped down on one of the beds. "We'll need to go shopping today." He said wearily. Harry stared at him. "Why?" He asked, confused. Sirius smiled. "Well, you need clothes don't you? I mean...those clothes the muggles gave you..." Sirius trailed off. Harry sighed. "You don't have to buy me anything Sirius." He said quietly. Sirius looked at him seriously. "Course I do! That's what handsome, well respected godfather's do!" He said, making a face. Harry laughed. Sirius rolled his eyes. "I'll spoil you rotten!" He laughed. Harry plopped down onto the bed next to Sirius. "I've got everything I need." He said quietly. Sirius glanced at Harry and saw that he was being sincere. "That may be so, but you need material things. What's that song?" He asked, scratching his chin. Sirius stood up and started dancing around the room. He put on a scratchy voice and started singing. "I'm a material girl, living in a material world..." He sang. Harry burst out laughing. He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed like that. He watched, amused as Sirius continued to dance. He was great....
That day, Harry and Sirius had a lot of fun. More fun than Harry had ever experienced. First, they went to Diagon Alley to buy Harry some new robes. While they were there, they got their hair magically died. Harry had his done in rainbow colours so every hour, his hair would be a different colour. Sirius dyed his bright red and had it spiked. These hairstyles would disappear after a day or two. The two got strange looks as they walked down the muggle streets. Harry still needed some shorts and things so they went into a popular clothing store. They got no strange looks there, they fit right in. People did start to get suspicious though when Harry went into the changing room with green hair, and came out with blue. Somehow, Harry managed to convince Sirius to buy some muggle clothes too. They were more along the lines of the clothing of a twenty year old, not those of a thirty seven year old man. It was nearly dinner when they arrived back at the hotel. They were going to Lupin's house for dinner. Dumbledore was also going. Harry changed into one of his favorite outfits that he had bought. A pair of beige shorts that went down to his knees, and a red, weathered shirt. He begged Sirius to wear his new clothes, so Sirius looked a bit ridiculous dressed in a flaming red t-shirt, that matched his hair and a pair of baggy black jeans. By the time they disapparated to Lupin's, they looked like quite the pair. Harry's hair was now pumpkin orange and clashed horribly with his livid bruise. Sirius would not have looked out of place at a rock concert, but he would have looked lost in the wizarding world. Neither of them cared...they had had a wonderful day!
Harry and Sirius appeared on Lupin's doorstep. Sirius draped his arm over Harry's shoulder, then knocked on the door. There was a minute, then the door opened. Lupin stared at Harry and Sirius. "What the hell?" He asked, his eyes wandering to Sirius's hair. "Now, that's no way to treat your guests! Outta the way Moony!" Sirius laughed. Lupin stepped aside and Sirius gently pushed Harry through the door, which was closed quickly by Lupin. He led them into the living room, where Dumbledore was sitting, enjoying a glass of wine. He smiled when he saw Harry and Sirius. "My, my..." He smiled. Harry couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he glanced up at Sirius's ridiculous hair. "I like it Sirius...the hair suits you!" Dumbledore laughed. Sirius smiled. He ruffled Harry's orange hair, which started to change colours. Dumbledore and Lupin watched as the roots of Harry's hair turned from orange to red. Eventually, his hold head was red. The same red as Sirius's. "Ah! We match!" Sirius laughed. Harry grinned and plopped down onto the empty couch. Sirius sat down beside him. Harry stretched his legs out and plopped his feet down on Sirius's lap. "You little bugger..." Sirius laughed. Harry smiled. Lupin was still staring at him. "You look ridiculous Padfoot!" He said, shaking his head. Sirius shrugged. "So what? At least I have someone to look ridiculous with me!" He laughed, ruffling Harry's hair. Lupin glanced at Harry and did a double take. "Ouch! Is that what the filthy muggles did to you?" He asked, staring at the bruise around Harry's eyes. Harry nodded. Dumbledore cleared his throat. "It appears you two had a smashing day!" He said, a grin on his face. Sirius nodded. "I think so. Harry made me buy myself some genuine muggle clothes. These wicked styles...absolutely horrid yet, intoxicating!" He laughed, pulling at his pants. Dumbledore smiled. "Er...Sirius, could you please help me in the kitchen?" Lupin asked, glancing at Harry. Sirius sighed and nodded. Harry lifted his feet and Sirius jumped up and followed his friend into the kitchen. Harry smiled happily. It was a genuine smile. Harry noticed out of the corner of his eye that Dumbledore was staring at him...smiling at him.
Dinner was good, as was dessert. They all chatted happily about this and that... A few hours later, Harry was half asleep on the sofa. He was all alone in the living room. Suddenly, he heard yelling. Sirius was yelling, angrily. Harry stood and staggered to the entrance of the dining room. He peered through the crack. Sirius, Lupin and Dumbledore were sitting around the table. Sirius was wearing an angry expression. Lupin began to talk again. "I know you're having fun with him, but maybe just tone it down a bit. You're getting the boy's hopes up! There is no guarantee that he will be living with you. The Ministry tracked down a woman that was a step sister to Lily's brother in law's cousin's daughter's mother's cousin's." He explained. Sirius slammed his fists down on the table. "Hell, I'm more related to Harry than that!" He spat. "I am afraid Remus is right Sirius. Harry will be placed in a relative's care before anyone else's." Dumbledore said quietly. "So what you're saying, is that Harry has no chance of living with me?!" Sirius roared. Lupin sighed. "We are not saying that at all! Just, don't get the boy's hopes up. He'll be crushed." He said quietly. Sirius sighed. His eyes wandered around the room. They fell on the door. He saw a sparkling green eye staring at him through the crack. "Harry!" Sirius said nervously. The eye disappeared and Harry hurried from the doorway. He plopped down on the couch, staring at nothing in particular. He wasn't angry...he was sad. He had had so much fun with Sirius. The three men appeared in the living room. Sirius sat down beside Harry and tried to get his attention...explain. Harry just ignored him. He continued to stare off into space until Sirius announced that they were leaving. Harry then stood. Sirius rested a hand on Harry's shoulder and they disapparated back to the hotel room. Even then, Harry said nothing to Sirius. He changed into a pair of new pajamas and went straight to bed. He was so sad.
When Harry woke up the next morning, Sirius was laying next to him. He wasn't under the covers, just laying on top. Harry smiled weakly, then remembered the night before. His smile quickly faded and he rolled over, his back to Sirius. Harry buried his face in his pillow. An hour later, Sirius stirred. He opened his eyes and glanced over. Harry was still asleep...or so he thought. Sirius rubbed Harry's shoulder soothingly, then staggered to his feet. He made his way over to the window and peered out. He glanced back at the bed and saw Harry's eyes were open. He smiled. "Hey kiddo..." He said quietly. Harry quickly rolled over and pulled the blankets over his head. Sirius's face fell and he sighed. "Harry, I know you're angry with me..." He began. Harry interrupted with a muffled, 'no'. Sirius stared at the lump. "You're not mad at me?" He asked. Again, Harry said that two-letter word. Sirius didn't say anything else. He went and sat down beside Harry on the bed. He rested a hand on top of the lump. Underneath the blankets, Harry's eyes began to sting. No relative of Vernon Dursley's would be this nice to Harry! Why...why wouldn't they just let him be with Sirius? Sirius sighed and stood. "I'm gonna go have a shower. If you're hungry, just call room service." He said quietly. The lump didn't say or do anything. Sirius bowed his head and shuffled into the bathroom. Harry heard Sirius's scratchy singing voice coming from the bathroom. "I am a material girl, you know that we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl!" Sirius sang. Harry smiled sadly and a single tear rolled down his cheek. Sirius was the perfect guy for Harry to live with! He was funny, caring and responsible. Why couldn't everyone else see that? Sirius re-emerged from the bathroom, wearing only a towel around his waist. The lump was still exactly as it had been. Sirius sighed and got dressed. He went over and sat down on Harry's bed. He sprawled out. "You can't stay in there forever." He said quietly. The lump did nothing. Sirius just shook his head. "You'll be out before lunch." He laughed.
TWO DAYS LATER ****************************************
Harry hadn't said anything to Sirius since the night of their dinner with Lupin. This was depressing Sirius a great deal. Both Harry and Sirius's hair had returned to normal, so there was nothing exciting to talk about. Sirius was in the middle of a chocolate bar when Harry opened his mouth. "I'm not mad at you." He said hoarsely. Sirius lowered his chocolate bar and stared at Harry. "You haven't spoken to me in two days..." He said sadly. Harry felt a lump develop in his throat. "I guess that's how long it took for the realization to set in that I won't be living with you." Harry said quietly. He fell backwards onto the bed. He was managing to stay composed. Sirius put his candy bar down on the nightstand and turned to face Harry. "We might not get to live together, but that doesn't mean I'm not your godfather!" He said forcefully. Harry sighed. "I'll die before going to live with a relative of Vernon Dursley." He said quietly. There was a seriousness in his voice that Sirius didn't like. Neither said anything else for a while.
JULY 9TH **************************************** Harry lay in bed, listening to Sirius's muffled snores. He figured he could just leave. He didn't want to go live with a relative of Vernon Dursley's and he was sure he would never get to live with Sirius. Harry had mad up his mind. He was leaving. He climbed out of bed and hurried over to his trunk. He hastily got dressed and scribbled a note to Sirius. His hand was shaking as he did this. This is what was written:
Sirius, Thank you for everything you've done for me over the past two years. I appreciate it all. I am sorry I have to do this to you, but I can't go live with another Dursley. I just can't do it. I don't know where I'm going and I don't know when I'm coming back...or if I'm coming back. I doubt you'll understand my reasoning, but that doesn't matter. I'll be able to take care of myself, so don't be worried about me. If I can, I'll try and write you. I'll leave Hedwig with you since she deserves a nice home, which I know you'll give her. I guess there is nothing else to say. Don't be worried....
All my love, Harry.
Harry read the letter over a couple of times. It was good enough. He left it on the nightstand where he was sure Sirius would find it. Harry said goodbye to Hedwig and grabbed a cloak. He left the hotel room and began his journey to the unknown.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER ****************************************
Sirius stirred and opened his eyes. Sunlight was pouring through to open curtains. Sirius groaned and rolled over, onto his back. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Sirius sat up and staggered over to the coffee pot. He grimaced when he saw the skin floating on the brown liquid. "That's just gross." He mumbled. Sirius glanced at Harry's bed. It was empty. "Harry?" Sirius called. He glanced into the bathroom. Harry wasn't there. He thought for a minute. "Are you under your cloak?" He asked. No answer. Sirius went over to Harry's trunk and opened it. The invisibility cloak was laying on top. Sirius closed the trunk and looked around. He noticed a note on the nightstand. Maybe Harry just went down to the lobby. Sirius picked up the note and read it. As soon as he realized what it said, all the colour drained from his face. "Oh my god!" He gasped, breathlessly. Sirius tried to drop the letter, but his fingers wouldn't release it. He didn't know what to do! Harry had run away?! Didn't he know that Voldemort was after him?! Sirius darted across the room and scribbled a note to Dumbledore. He sent it off with Hedwig and watched as she disappeared. Sirius plopped down on the bed, numb. Harry was out there, all alone, in a world filled with people who wanted him dead. Was he stupid? No, just afraid.
BACK TO HARRY ****************************************
Harry was now wandering down a busy street. His feet were quite sore, as he had been walking for several hours. Harry didn't know where he was going; he just knew he had to get far away. He continued to walk, bumping into people ever now and then. Something kept slapping against Harry's chest. He looked down and saw the lightning bolt charm that had saved him from Voldemort. Harry sighed. Then, he abruptly stopped walking. That charm. It would take him back to the place where it had been bought...Hogsmeade! Harry smiled. He wouldn't be able to go back to Hogwarts...the next best thing was Hogsmeade. Harry remembered the cave where Sirius had hid when the Triwizard tournament was taking place. Harry could stay there. He looked around at the street packed full of muggles. He couldn't use the necklace here. He quickly turned down a dirty alley. It was completely empty. Harry hid behind a dumpster and wrapped his hand around the lightning bolt. He closed his eyes and told himself he wanted to be in Hogsmeade. After a minute, there was a flash of white light and Harry disappeared from the alley.
He re-appeared at the end of a long road, packed with little shops. Harry recognized this as Hogsmeade. His eyes wandered behind him, to the slide of rocks that he would have to climb. He sighed and made his way up there. Surely living in a damp, dirty cave would be better than living with a Dursley. It took Harry about half an hour to climb the jagged rocks. Finally he came to a narrow gap in a rock. Harry slipped through with little difficulty. Harry was now in a large, damp, dimly lit cave. He sighed. This was it. This was his new home. He curled up in the corner, his knees pressed into his chest. He would much rather have been with Sirius, but this was better than a life with a Dursley. Harry removed his cloak and covered himself with it. He shivered slightly. It wasn't cold, it was the realization that Harry's future looked very dim. Very dim indeed.
Things at the Dursley's had been a little rough for Harry the past week, but so far he hadn't suffered any injuries. Padfoot was keeping quite close to Harry, except for the odd time he would go outside to check for any unusual activity. It was a particularly crummy day out, the rain was coming down in sheets and thunder cracked across the sky. Padfoot had disappeared to check for anything unusual, when Harry's uncle came into his room. Harry was staring out the window when he noticed his uncle. "Y-yeah?" Harry asked nervously, noticing the way Vernon Dursley'a fists were clenched. "I told you at Christmas...come back here and they'd have to carry you out in a box!" He growled. Harry shuddered and backed into a corner. He was going to grab his chain, but remembered Sirius. Uncle Vernon closed the bedroom door and walked towards Harry. "D-don't you touch m-me!" Harry stuttered. Uncle Vernon sneered. "Or what? Your little freaks for friends will come and perform their hocus pocus?" He snarled. Harry was shaking uncontrollably. Uncle Vernon raised his hand. Harry raised his hands, ready to strike. Uncle Vernon laughed and grabbed Harry's wrists with one hand. He brought his other hand up and hit Harry square in the stomach. Harry double over onto the floor. Uncle Vernon began kicking him. He got Harry in the face and stomach. Suddenly there was a scratching on the door. Then a whimpering. Harry was letting out grunts and groans of pain. He wa doing everything he could not to scream. Then, suddenly, the door burst open. Sirius saw what was going on and he lunged forward onto Uncle Vernon. Vernon was so surprised, that he fell backwards. Sirius quickly moved out of the way. The great beast of a man stared at Sirius. "Who're you?" He gasped. Sirius was angrier than Harry had ever seen him. "Sirius Black, Harry's godfather!" He spat. Vernon scrambled to his feet. "G-get out of m-my house!" He said hastily. Sirius spat at Vernon's feet. "Gladly." He growled. Sirius bent down over Harry and lifted him off the floor. Harry swayed. Sirius grabbed him round the middle to hold him up. Sirius brandished his wand and Uncle Vernon backed off. They hobbled down the stairs and out the front door, into the pouring rain. "Hang on!" Sirius yelled. Harry nodded. He felt like he was going to collapse. They disapparated with a loud pop.
Harry and Sirius appeared in a lobby. A hotel lobby. Harry assumed it was a magical hotel, since there were people apparating all around them. Sirius hurried to the front desk and began talking to a woman very quickly. Harry didn't catch any of the conversation. He noticed people staring at him. He was quite a mess. Sirius returned a minute later, clutching a key. "Come on kiddo." He said, grabbing Harry around the middle. They disapparated to the top floor of the hotel, outside a door. Sirius shoved the key in the lock and opened the door. Inside, were two beds. Harry also saw that there was somewhat of a kitchen and a bathroom. Sirius was fuming, but trying to hide it. He sat Harry down on one of the beds. "Filthy muggles." He muttered as he checked Harry's nose, which was bleeding heavily. "Ah, it's not broken. Go on into the bathroom and get changed out of those clothes. I have to send an owl." Sirius said quietly. Harry nodded and staggered over to the bathroom. He reappeared a few minutes later, blood free and in his boxers. He made his way over to one of the beds and crawled under the covers. Sirius was sending a letter off with an owl that had been perched by the window. When he was done, he went over to check on Harry. "I should've been there. You shouldn't have gotten hurt." He sighed, pressing the bruise that had appeared around Harry's eye. Harry flinched. "It's not your fault..." He said quietly. Sirius sighed. "You should keep some ice on that eye." He said quietly. He waved his wand and an ice pack appeared. He pressed it to Harry's eye. "You keep that there." Sirius said softly. Harry nodded. He rolled over under the covers, clutching the ice pack. Sirius sighed. So many terrible things happened to Harry, but he never complained. After about an hour, Harry drifted off to sleep. Sirius made a pot of coffee in his little kitchen and sat down on the other bed. He took a long sip from his coffee, then there was a knock on the door. Sirius set his cup down and went to the door. He peered through the peep hole and sighed. He opened the door. Dumbledore was standing in the hall, wearing a very serious look. Sirius stood to the side so Dumbledore could enter. The old man made his way into the room. Sirius closed the door and sighed. "I told you..." He said quietly. Dumbledore nodded. "I know...and I told them. Are his injuries bad?" He asked quietly. Sirius sighed. "I don't think so. Maybe a couple of broken ribs." He said wearily. "I would like to see the extent of his injuries." Dumbledore said quietly. Sirius nodded. He bent over the lump that was sleeping. "Harry..." He said quietly. Harry didn't move. "Come on son, wake up." Sirius said, shaking Harry slightly. Harry stirred and groaned. "Wha?" He asked groggily. Sirius smiled as Harry rolled over. He still had the ice pack pressed to his face. Harry struggled to prop himself up and hold the ice pack on. He couldn't really see anything, since he didn't have his glasses on. Sirius pulled the ice pack away. A livid bruise had formed. Harry grabbed his glasses and slipped them on his nose. He blushed when he saw Professor Dumbledore.
"Er...we have to stop meeting like this." Harry said with a forced smile. Dumbledore wasn't smiling. "You are quite right. And, I feel confident in saying we will never meet like this again." He said sternly. Harry sighed. He really wanted to believe the old man, but he wouldn't count his chickens before they hatched. "Harry...show him your ribs." Sirius said quietly. Harry shifted awkwardly. Sirius sighed. He pushed the blankets down that were covering Harry's chests. There were bruises over his ribs and a few on his stomach. They didn't look too bad. Dumbledore took a few steps forward and peered at them. "They don't look too bad, but that's beside the point." He said quietly. When he was done, Harry covered himself with the blankets again. Sirius sighed. "Sirius, I would like you to come with me to the Ministry." Dumbledore said quietly. "Can that wait? I mean...I don't want to leave Harry alone." Sirius said nervously. Harry sighed. "I'll be fine." He said quietly. Sirius locked eyes with him. "Alright...but don't leave the room and...er...if you get hungry, call room service, okay?" He asked. Harry nodded. He was just planning on sleeping. Sirius grabbed his cloak and ruffled Harry's hair. "I won't be long." He said quietly. Harry forced a smile and nodded. Sirius and Dumbledore disapparated with a loud pop. Harry groaned. He took his glasses off and grabbed the ice pack. He went back to sleep.
Sirius got back a lot later than he had told Harry. It was two in the morning. Sirius had had a rough time down at the Ministry. The issue of Harry's home still wasn't resolved. For the time being however, Sirius had temporary custody of his godson. He flicked on the lamp in between the two beds and shook Harry gently. He wanted to see if the swelling around Harry's eye had gone down. Harry didn't move. Sirius sighed and shook him again. "Harry, come on..." He said quietly. Harry did nothing. Sirius contorted his face in curiosity. He shook Harry again. The boy didn't move. "Harry, this isn't funny..." Sirius said. There was a hint of worry in his voice. He grabbed Harry under the arm and rolled him over. Harry's eyes were closed. Sirius shook him. Harry wouldn't wake up. "Harry!" Sirius said loudly. He pointed his wand at Harry's chest. "Enervate." He muttered. Harry's eyes flickered open. "Wha?" He asked groggily. Sirius stared at Harry. "Did someone come here? Did someone attack you?" He asked, urgency in his voice. He was squeezing Harry's arm now. "No! Sirius - you're - hurting me!" Harry gasped, trying to pull his arm away. Sirius released Harry's arm like it was red hot. "I'm sorry..." He said quietly. Harry was staring at Sirius. "Why couldn't I wake you?" Sirius asked suspiciously. "I got a Deep Sleep potion from room service." Harry explained. He pointed to the bottle on the nightstand, then glanced at the clock. "You just get in?" He asked. Sirius sighed and nodded. "Yeah...they still haven't decided where you're going, but granted me temporary custody." He explained. Harry nodded. He didn't want to tell Sirius how badly he wanted to live with him, but he felt he had to. Harry bit his lip. "Sirius..." He began. Sirius glanced at him. Harry looked like he was about to say something really important. "Yeah kiddo?" He asked, paying perfect attention. "You know that I...that I really wanna live with you...don't you?" Harry asked, staring at Sirius hopefully. Sirius cracked a big smile. "Yeah...don't worry, you will." He said. Harry smiled. As long as Sirius knew...
When Harry woke the next morning, he realized that Sirius wasn't in the room. There was however, a note taped to the door. Harry read it lazily.
Harry, went to collect your school things and Hedwig from the muggles. Shouldn't be long. Love Sirius.
Harry sighed and looked around. Sirius had a pile of clothes stacked on the dresser. As Harry was wearing only his boxers, he didn't think Sirius would mind if he borrowed a shirt. Harry rummaged through the pile a found a red shirt that he particularly liked. He pulled it on and plopped down onto the bed. Harry rubbed his eyes and flinched with pain. He had ran a hand over his bruised eyes. Harry got up and went into the bathroom to see how it looked. The swelling had gone down, but there was still a massive bruise. "Harry?" Sirius called. Harry sighed and left the bathroom. Sirius was standing by the beds, pushing Harry trunk into the corner. He glanced up and smiled when he saw Harry wearing his shirt. "Er...sorry. I was a bit cold." Harry said awkwardly. Sirius shook his head. "That's fine!" He laughed. Harry smiled. Sirius was so relaxed. He crossed the room and pressed a thumb to Harry's bruise. "Hmm...swelling's gone down." He said thoughtfully. He sighed and plopped down on one of the beds. "We'll need to go shopping today." He said wearily. Harry stared at him. "Why?" He asked, confused. Sirius smiled. "Well, you need clothes don't you? I mean...those clothes the muggles gave you..." Sirius trailed off. Harry sighed. "You don't have to buy me anything Sirius." He said quietly. Sirius looked at him seriously. "Course I do! That's what handsome, well respected godfather's do!" He said, making a face. Harry laughed. Sirius rolled his eyes. "I'll spoil you rotten!" He laughed. Harry plopped down onto the bed next to Sirius. "I've got everything I need." He said quietly. Sirius glanced at Harry and saw that he was being sincere. "That may be so, but you need material things. What's that song?" He asked, scratching his chin. Sirius stood up and started dancing around the room. He put on a scratchy voice and started singing. "I'm a material girl, living in a material world..." He sang. Harry burst out laughing. He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed like that. He watched, amused as Sirius continued to dance. He was great....
That day, Harry and Sirius had a lot of fun. More fun than Harry had ever experienced. First, they went to Diagon Alley to buy Harry some new robes. While they were there, they got their hair magically died. Harry had his done in rainbow colours so every hour, his hair would be a different colour. Sirius dyed his bright red and had it spiked. These hairstyles would disappear after a day or two. The two got strange looks as they walked down the muggle streets. Harry still needed some shorts and things so they went into a popular clothing store. They got no strange looks there, they fit right in. People did start to get suspicious though when Harry went into the changing room with green hair, and came out with blue. Somehow, Harry managed to convince Sirius to buy some muggle clothes too. They were more along the lines of the clothing of a twenty year old, not those of a thirty seven year old man. It was nearly dinner when they arrived back at the hotel. They were going to Lupin's house for dinner. Dumbledore was also going. Harry changed into one of his favorite outfits that he had bought. A pair of beige shorts that went down to his knees, and a red, weathered shirt. He begged Sirius to wear his new clothes, so Sirius looked a bit ridiculous dressed in a flaming red t-shirt, that matched his hair and a pair of baggy black jeans. By the time they disapparated to Lupin's, they looked like quite the pair. Harry's hair was now pumpkin orange and clashed horribly with his livid bruise. Sirius would not have looked out of place at a rock concert, but he would have looked lost in the wizarding world. Neither of them cared...they had had a wonderful day!
Harry and Sirius appeared on Lupin's doorstep. Sirius draped his arm over Harry's shoulder, then knocked on the door. There was a minute, then the door opened. Lupin stared at Harry and Sirius. "What the hell?" He asked, his eyes wandering to Sirius's hair. "Now, that's no way to treat your guests! Outta the way Moony!" Sirius laughed. Lupin stepped aside and Sirius gently pushed Harry through the door, which was closed quickly by Lupin. He led them into the living room, where Dumbledore was sitting, enjoying a glass of wine. He smiled when he saw Harry and Sirius. "My, my..." He smiled. Harry couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he glanced up at Sirius's ridiculous hair. "I like it Sirius...the hair suits you!" Dumbledore laughed. Sirius smiled. He ruffled Harry's orange hair, which started to change colours. Dumbledore and Lupin watched as the roots of Harry's hair turned from orange to red. Eventually, his hold head was red. The same red as Sirius's. "Ah! We match!" Sirius laughed. Harry grinned and plopped down onto the empty couch. Sirius sat down beside him. Harry stretched his legs out and plopped his feet down on Sirius's lap. "You little bugger..." Sirius laughed. Harry smiled. Lupin was still staring at him. "You look ridiculous Padfoot!" He said, shaking his head. Sirius shrugged. "So what? At least I have someone to look ridiculous with me!" He laughed, ruffling Harry's hair. Lupin glanced at Harry and did a double take. "Ouch! Is that what the filthy muggles did to you?" He asked, staring at the bruise around Harry's eyes. Harry nodded. Dumbledore cleared his throat. "It appears you two had a smashing day!" He said, a grin on his face. Sirius nodded. "I think so. Harry made me buy myself some genuine muggle clothes. These wicked styles...absolutely horrid yet, intoxicating!" He laughed, pulling at his pants. Dumbledore smiled. "Er...Sirius, could you please help me in the kitchen?" Lupin asked, glancing at Harry. Sirius sighed and nodded. Harry lifted his feet and Sirius jumped up and followed his friend into the kitchen. Harry smiled happily. It was a genuine smile. Harry noticed out of the corner of his eye that Dumbledore was staring at him...smiling at him.
Dinner was good, as was dessert. They all chatted happily about this and that... A few hours later, Harry was half asleep on the sofa. He was all alone in the living room. Suddenly, he heard yelling. Sirius was yelling, angrily. Harry stood and staggered to the entrance of the dining room. He peered through the crack. Sirius, Lupin and Dumbledore were sitting around the table. Sirius was wearing an angry expression. Lupin began to talk again. "I know you're having fun with him, but maybe just tone it down a bit. You're getting the boy's hopes up! There is no guarantee that he will be living with you. The Ministry tracked down a woman that was a step sister to Lily's brother in law's cousin's daughter's mother's cousin's." He explained. Sirius slammed his fists down on the table. "Hell, I'm more related to Harry than that!" He spat. "I am afraid Remus is right Sirius. Harry will be placed in a relative's care before anyone else's." Dumbledore said quietly. "So what you're saying, is that Harry has no chance of living with me?!" Sirius roared. Lupin sighed. "We are not saying that at all! Just, don't get the boy's hopes up. He'll be crushed." He said quietly. Sirius sighed. His eyes wandered around the room. They fell on the door. He saw a sparkling green eye staring at him through the crack. "Harry!" Sirius said nervously. The eye disappeared and Harry hurried from the doorway. He plopped down on the couch, staring at nothing in particular. He wasn't angry...he was sad. He had had so much fun with Sirius. The three men appeared in the living room. Sirius sat down beside Harry and tried to get his attention...explain. Harry just ignored him. He continued to stare off into space until Sirius announced that they were leaving. Harry then stood. Sirius rested a hand on Harry's shoulder and they disapparated back to the hotel room. Even then, Harry said nothing to Sirius. He changed into a pair of new pajamas and went straight to bed. He was so sad.
When Harry woke up the next morning, Sirius was laying next to him. He wasn't under the covers, just laying on top. Harry smiled weakly, then remembered the night before. His smile quickly faded and he rolled over, his back to Sirius. Harry buried his face in his pillow. An hour later, Sirius stirred. He opened his eyes and glanced over. Harry was still asleep...or so he thought. Sirius rubbed Harry's shoulder soothingly, then staggered to his feet. He made his way over to the window and peered out. He glanced back at the bed and saw Harry's eyes were open. He smiled. "Hey kiddo..." He said quietly. Harry quickly rolled over and pulled the blankets over his head. Sirius's face fell and he sighed. "Harry, I know you're angry with me..." He began. Harry interrupted with a muffled, 'no'. Sirius stared at the lump. "You're not mad at me?" He asked. Again, Harry said that two-letter word. Sirius didn't say anything else. He went and sat down beside Harry on the bed. He rested a hand on top of the lump. Underneath the blankets, Harry's eyes began to sting. No relative of Vernon Dursley's would be this nice to Harry! Why...why wouldn't they just let him be with Sirius? Sirius sighed and stood. "I'm gonna go have a shower. If you're hungry, just call room service." He said quietly. The lump didn't say or do anything. Sirius bowed his head and shuffled into the bathroom. Harry heard Sirius's scratchy singing voice coming from the bathroom. "I am a material girl, you know that we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl!" Sirius sang. Harry smiled sadly and a single tear rolled down his cheek. Sirius was the perfect guy for Harry to live with! He was funny, caring and responsible. Why couldn't everyone else see that? Sirius re-emerged from the bathroom, wearing only a towel around his waist. The lump was still exactly as it had been. Sirius sighed and got dressed. He went over and sat down on Harry's bed. He sprawled out. "You can't stay in there forever." He said quietly. The lump did nothing. Sirius just shook his head. "You'll be out before lunch." He laughed.
TWO DAYS LATER ****************************************
Harry hadn't said anything to Sirius since the night of their dinner with Lupin. This was depressing Sirius a great deal. Both Harry and Sirius's hair had returned to normal, so there was nothing exciting to talk about. Sirius was in the middle of a chocolate bar when Harry opened his mouth. "I'm not mad at you." He said hoarsely. Sirius lowered his chocolate bar and stared at Harry. "You haven't spoken to me in two days..." He said sadly. Harry felt a lump develop in his throat. "I guess that's how long it took for the realization to set in that I won't be living with you." Harry said quietly. He fell backwards onto the bed. He was managing to stay composed. Sirius put his candy bar down on the nightstand and turned to face Harry. "We might not get to live together, but that doesn't mean I'm not your godfather!" He said forcefully. Harry sighed. "I'll die before going to live with a relative of Vernon Dursley." He said quietly. There was a seriousness in his voice that Sirius didn't like. Neither said anything else for a while.
JULY 9TH **************************************** Harry lay in bed, listening to Sirius's muffled snores. He figured he could just leave. He didn't want to go live with a relative of Vernon Dursley's and he was sure he would never get to live with Sirius. Harry had mad up his mind. He was leaving. He climbed out of bed and hurried over to his trunk. He hastily got dressed and scribbled a note to Sirius. His hand was shaking as he did this. This is what was written:
Sirius, Thank you for everything you've done for me over the past two years. I appreciate it all. I am sorry I have to do this to you, but I can't go live with another Dursley. I just can't do it. I don't know where I'm going and I don't know when I'm coming back...or if I'm coming back. I doubt you'll understand my reasoning, but that doesn't matter. I'll be able to take care of myself, so don't be worried about me. If I can, I'll try and write you. I'll leave Hedwig with you since she deserves a nice home, which I know you'll give her. I guess there is nothing else to say. Don't be worried....
All my love, Harry.
Harry read the letter over a couple of times. It was good enough. He left it on the nightstand where he was sure Sirius would find it. Harry said goodbye to Hedwig and grabbed a cloak. He left the hotel room and began his journey to the unknown.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER ****************************************
Sirius stirred and opened his eyes. Sunlight was pouring through to open curtains. Sirius groaned and rolled over, onto his back. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Sirius sat up and staggered over to the coffee pot. He grimaced when he saw the skin floating on the brown liquid. "That's just gross." He mumbled. Sirius glanced at Harry's bed. It was empty. "Harry?" Sirius called. He glanced into the bathroom. Harry wasn't there. He thought for a minute. "Are you under your cloak?" He asked. No answer. Sirius went over to Harry's trunk and opened it. The invisibility cloak was laying on top. Sirius closed the trunk and looked around. He noticed a note on the nightstand. Maybe Harry just went down to the lobby. Sirius picked up the note and read it. As soon as he realized what it said, all the colour drained from his face. "Oh my god!" He gasped, breathlessly. Sirius tried to drop the letter, but his fingers wouldn't release it. He didn't know what to do! Harry had run away?! Didn't he know that Voldemort was after him?! Sirius darted across the room and scribbled a note to Dumbledore. He sent it off with Hedwig and watched as she disappeared. Sirius plopped down on the bed, numb. Harry was out there, all alone, in a world filled with people who wanted him dead. Was he stupid? No, just afraid.
BACK TO HARRY ****************************************
Harry was now wandering down a busy street. His feet were quite sore, as he had been walking for several hours. Harry didn't know where he was going; he just knew he had to get far away. He continued to walk, bumping into people ever now and then. Something kept slapping against Harry's chest. He looked down and saw the lightning bolt charm that had saved him from Voldemort. Harry sighed. Then, he abruptly stopped walking. That charm. It would take him back to the place where it had been bought...Hogsmeade! Harry smiled. He wouldn't be able to go back to Hogwarts...the next best thing was Hogsmeade. Harry remembered the cave where Sirius had hid when the Triwizard tournament was taking place. Harry could stay there. He looked around at the street packed full of muggles. He couldn't use the necklace here. He quickly turned down a dirty alley. It was completely empty. Harry hid behind a dumpster and wrapped his hand around the lightning bolt. He closed his eyes and told himself he wanted to be in Hogsmeade. After a minute, there was a flash of white light and Harry disappeared from the alley.
He re-appeared at the end of a long road, packed with little shops. Harry recognized this as Hogsmeade. His eyes wandered behind him, to the slide of rocks that he would have to climb. He sighed and made his way up there. Surely living in a damp, dirty cave would be better than living with a Dursley. It took Harry about half an hour to climb the jagged rocks. Finally he came to a narrow gap in a rock. Harry slipped through with little difficulty. Harry was now in a large, damp, dimly lit cave. He sighed. This was it. This was his new home. He curled up in the corner, his knees pressed into his chest. He would much rather have been with Sirius, but this was better than a life with a Dursley. Harry removed his cloak and covered himself with it. He shivered slightly. It wasn't cold, it was the realization that Harry's future looked very dim. Very dim indeed.